Angels' Kirby Yates Nearing Rehab Assignment

Veteran reliever could return to high-leverage role soon

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's wind-up and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form conveying the intensity and movement of the moment.A cubist interpretation of a relief pitcher's motion captures the dynamic energy and tension of a high-leverage situation in the late innings.Rancho Cucamonga Today

Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki announced that relief pitcher Kirby Yates is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the team's High-A affiliate, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, in the near future. Yates has been sidelined with a knee injury but has been throwing to hitters in recent workouts, indicating he is nearing a return to the major league roster.

Why it matters

Yates is a veteran reliever who could provide a boost to the Angels' bullpen once he returns from the injured list. While Jordan Romano has filled in capably as the team's closer, Yates has experience in high-leverage situations and could potentially reclaim a late-inning role upon his activation.

The details

Yates appeared in four games during spring training before being sidelined with the knee issue. He has been progressing in his recovery and is now expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Angels' High-A affiliate, in the near future. The timeline for his return to the major league roster is still to be determined, but the team is hopeful he can contribute to the bullpen once he is fully healthy.

  • Yates has been throwing to hitters in recent workouts.

The players

Kirby Yates

A veteran relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who is currently rehabbing from a knee injury.

Kurt Suzuki

The manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

Jordan Romano

The current closer for the Los Angeles Angels, who has filled in capably during Yates' absence.

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What they’re saying

“Yates (knee) is expected to pitch for High-A Rancho Cucamonga soon”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Manager

What’s next

Once Yates begins his rehab assignment, the Angels will monitor his progress and determine a timeline for his return to the major league roster.

The takeaway

Kirby Yates' impending return from injury could provide a boost to the Angels' bullpen, as the veteran reliever has experience in high-leverage situations and could potentially reclaim a late-inning role upon his activation.